The Stilwell area sits at approximately 1,050 feet above sea level in Johnson County, Kansas, with a humid continental climate featuring hot summers and moderately cold winters. Camping options near Stilwell provide access to several lakes within a 30-mile radius, creating opportunities for water recreation alongside traditional camping experiences. Most glamping accommodations remain open year-round with peak season running May through September.
What to do
Archery practice: Hillsdale State Park maintains a dedicated bow range where visitors can practice shooting skills at various distances. "It also has a great bow range for siting in and practicing with your bow. You can even climb towers to practice shooting from 'tree-stand' elevations," notes Jason W. at Hillsdale State Park.
Bike the trails: Paved pathways at several parks provide ideal cycling conditions for families. "Trails and roads within the campsite are paved, so it's great for bikes and scooters," mentions Julie B. about Crow's Creek Campground. Watkins Mill State Park features a paved trail that "wraps the lake and connects to the edge of the campground," according to Jason C.
Visit historic sites: Combine camping with cultural exploration at parks featuring preserved landmarks. At Watkins Mill State Park Campground, "if you like history, take a tour of the woolen mill part. Very cool," suggests Josh P. The park maintains several historic structures accessible via short drives from the campground.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Many campers appreciate the upgraded restroom facilities at certain parks. "The bathrooms are the nicest campground bathrooms I've ever used - large, clean, and not communal, so you get a sink, toilet, and shower all to yourself," reports Fawn W. about Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park.
Lake access options: Direct water entry points create convenient recreation opportunities. At Crow's Creek Campground, "the best part is the view of and access to the lake! So beautiful and relaxing. We could walk right down a grassy hill to the trail along the lake," explains Julie B. Campers often mention the ease of launching personal watercraft.
Wildlife encounters: The natural settings support diverse animal populations visitors can observe. Susan S. describes Weston Bend State Park Campground as "a couple miles down a secluded drive, nestled back in the woods right on the lake. Lots of trees," creating habitat for wildlife. At Linn County Park, visitors report "lots of wildlife. Had deer walk right through the campground when we were there."
What you should know
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience significant sound disruptions from nearby infrastructure. At Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA, LauraJane B. warns that "trains passed by really loudly all night long - it finally stopped at about 5am." Similarly, Trailside RV Park experiences "noise, mostly from the highway, but also trains and air traffic."
Site selection strategy: Campgrounds often feature dramatically different site qualities within the same facility. At Hillsdale State Park, Cate S. notes, "Unfortunately, the waterside sites are minimal and most seem to be RV sites. We often find ourselves in a field with port-a-potties instead of lakeside with views."
Seasonal closures: Water systems at some parks shut down during cold weather. At Crow's Creek Campground, Bridget U. reports, "We stayed in October and due to unseasonably cold weather they shut off water with no notice and halfway through our stay. Ended up leaving early since we had no water."
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly amenities: Several parks offer dedicated spaces for pets. At Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA, Roy T. mentions "two good fenced dog parks" that provide safe exercise areas for animals. This feature particularly benefits families traveling with both children and pets.
Kid-focused activities: Some campgrounds maintain structured programming for younger visitors. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, Dawn H. appreciates that "my kids love camping here, we came in an RV and we're barely ever inside it until we were ready to sleep. So much fun activities for the kids to do to keep them entertained."
Safety considerations: Evaluate site layouts for potential hazards when traveling with children. Steve C. cautions about Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park: "Only negative is that some sites are right on the road, so kids can dart out at any time...just be careful!"
Tips from RVers
Site spacing variations: Campground layouts differ significantly in terms of privacy between spaces. At Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park, Justin C. notes the main "drawback to this site is that you are close to your neighbors." Similarly, Sayler O. observes that "the RV loops were packed and felt really crowded" at Crow's Creek Campground.
Full hookup availability: Water and sewer connections aren't universal, requiring planning. Jason C. points out that at Watkins Mill State Park, there's "no water or sewer" at many sites. At Crow's Creek Campground, Julie B. advises, "the full hookup sites don't have a view of the lake. This is why we chose an electric only site and used a spigot in the campsite to fill our tank."
